Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, cream the sugars thoroughly with the lard or shortening until the mixture is light and fluffy and no granules remain. Beat in the eggs until light. Add the vanilla and stir. Stir in the oatmeal. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour. salt, and baking soda. Work the dry ingredients into the oatmeal mixture. Drop[ by teaspoon, spaced apart, onto cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the center is soft to the touch and the top and edges are golden to light brown in color. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.